2005 Audi A6 3.2 Quattro Review

If Audi is not the best-known of the premium German automakers -
yet - it is the most influential throughout the industry in styling,
interior design, and drive technology. And most of that influence was has
been way of the second-generation A6 sedan, introduced in 1998. A
deceptively clean design in the neo-Bauhaus vein that would soon give birth
to the TT coupe and roadster, echos of its sleek shape and coupe-like
roofline can now be seen in the offerings of more than a few Japanese and
American manufacturers.

Audi's original concept of integrated interior design, called
``atmospheres'' was later blatantly copied by a certain Japanese
manufacturer. High-performance, pavement-oriented all-wheel drive is the
latest ``new feature'' from many automakers worldwide, but is established
technology for Audi.

Its quattro(tm) system has been developed continuously since the days of
the first Sport Quattros in the early 1980s. Other manufacturers are just
now discovering the benefits of lightweight aluminum alloys for chassis and
suspension parts; again, old hat for Audi.
The 1998-2004 A6 holds it own in style and performance even today, but
there is no sense letting the competition get close. So Audi has introduced
the next step, the third-generation A6, for 2005.

If at first glance it looks like the previous model with freshened styling,
look closer. There are subtle but significant differences, and the car
itself is longer, especially in wheelbase, for increased passenger comfort
and improved stability and handling. The chassis structure has been
modified for increased strength and rigidity, again improving handling,
comfort, and safety.

Two models are offered, the 3.2 V6 and 4.2 V8. Sounds like last year? Not
quite - the 335-horsepower V8 is the one previously used in the
high-performance S4 and S6, while the 255-horsepower V6 is a completely-new
unit derived from that V8. Transmissions in both are a new six-speed
automatic with ``Tiptronic''(r) manual-shift mode. Drive is, naturally, to
all four wheels by way of the latest quattro system.

I was introduced to both versions of the new A6 when it made its press
debut in San Francisco last Fall, and spent a wet, windy day (perfect
quattro weather!) driving the V8 on the narrow, twisting backroads of Marin
and Sonoma counties north of the city. I've just finished a week at home
with the V6 version. Both are very, very impressive automobiles, with
class-leading styling, comfort, and ergonomic features.

The new Audi A6 is the archetypal European luxury-sports sedan, refined,
exquisitely balanced, subtly elegant, and supremely overqualified for and
underemployed on speed-limited American roads.

APPEARANCE: You're forgiven for thinking, after a quick glance, that
the new A6 looks just like the old one, but with a new grille and crisp,
sharply-delineated shoulder line and rear panel added. Although all body
panels have changed, considerably, the body differences are that subtle,
and put the A6's styling in line with that of Audi's flagship A8. The
roofline, which defined the previous-generation A6, has changed very
little. The massive grille, domed hood, and well-defined front fender lines
build on Audi styling themes of the past few years, and give the look of a
1930s speed-record car. The wedge-shaped lower sill character line adds to
the look of performance. The old A6's rounded tail, with its huge signature
wraparound taillights, has given way to more angular styling.

COMFORT: Interiors are an Audi specialty. ``Elegance without
opulence'' has been a motto for a while, and the 2005 A6's interior is a
prime example. It's simple, yet elegant, and is an invitingly comfortable
place in which to spend time. Wood trim is standard on the V8, and optional
on the V6. That's not unusual, but the way that it's done is - rather than
``plain old'' burled wood, it's bound with thin strips of aluminum. Only in
an Audi.... The cockpit-style instrument panel and center stack are
centered on the driver, with instruments and controls placed for easy
visibility and use. All windows feature one-touch operation down and up.
Audio, and phone and navigation systems if specified, are controlled by the
``Multi Media Interface'' (MMI) on the console. This looks alarmingly like
the overly-complex and obscure system used by another German manufacturer,
but is almost diametrically opposite in its ease of use. Even better is the
auxiliary volume control on the steering wheel - instead of the common
pushbutton, it's a rotary control that responds easily to the driver's
thumb. The steering wheel of both models is adjustable for both tilt and
reach, with the V8 power-assisted and the V6 manual. Seats, front and rear,
in both are excellent, fit for long-distance comfort. With the increase in
wheelbase and width, there is more room inside and Audi has made the best
of it. Six-footers should fit just fine in the rear unless a couple of
seven-footers are in front. The trunk is commendably large.

SAFETY: Passengers in the A6 are protected by a strong central
structure designed for controlled deformation in a crash, and front, front
and rear side, and head curtain airbags. Active safety features include
strong four-wheel disc brakes with ESP stability assistance, brake assist,
and electronic brake distribution.

RIDE AND HANDLING: The previous-generation A6 chassis was
well-designed, very rigid, and provided an excellent platform upon which to
base a high-performance luxury car. The new chassis is even better, with a
34% increase in torsional rigidity for even more precise handling and a
quieter driving experience. The front suspension is the latest development
of Audi's four-link design, while the rear trapezoidal-link system is taken
from the A8. Spring and shock rates are moderate, firm enough for spirited
cornering but soft enough for long-distance comfort. The speed-sensitive
steering is light at low speeds for easy parking, but effort increases
perfectly at speed for control. Quattro is a race-developed, full-time
high-performance all-wheel drive system, with power distributed to all four
wheels all of the time, not to the front and only sometimes to the rear
like some other all-wheel drive systems. Traction, even in slippery
conditions, is excellent, and handling is predictable. Whether on a
convoluted back road in the rain or on the long straight sections of the
Interstate, the new A6 is an enjoyable and pleasant car to drive.

PERFORMANCE: The new 3.2-liter V6 is literally a chip off the old
block of the 4.2-liter V8, as it is a modular development of that engine.
Think of it as three-quarters of the V8, with a balance shaft to take care
of vibrations caused by its 90-degree bank angle. It features Audi's new
FSI system. FSI stands for ``Fuel Straight Injection,'' and, as it sounds,
that means diesel-like direct fuel injection for the most precise control
possible. Benefits include more power, a greater spread of power (helped by
continuous inlet cam control), and reduced emissions and fuel consumption.
FSI allows a higher compression ratio, contributing to efficiency. And it's
high, at 12.5:1 compared to the more common 10:1 or so - but it can run
just fine on 87-octane unleaded regular gasoline, although 91-octane
premium is recommended for best performance. With 255 horses at 6500 rpm
and 243 lb-ft of torque at 3250 rpm, power delivery is strong and very
linear, and is aided by the very good six-speed automatic transmission.
``Tiptronic'' manual-shift mode is rarely absolutely necessary, but can add
to the driver's enjoyment on the right kind of road.

CONCLUSIONS: With its new A6 sedan, Audi had raised the benchmarks
for design and performance in the mid-luxury class.

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